LeaAnn Martin named dean at WWU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences

LeaAnn Martin has been appointed to serve for a fixed term as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Western Washington University, Provost Catherine Riordan announced.

Next month, Brent Carbajal, current dean of CHSS, starts a two-year fixed term as Western’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. He succeeds Riordan, who is resigning from that position, effective in July.

Under the fixed-term appointment, there will be a national search for dean of CHSS during the 2014-15 academic year should Carbajal's appointment as provost become indefinite.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Martin and thank her for her willingness to step up to this important leadership role in CHSS,” Riordan said. “I'm pleased for Western, pleased for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and I wish Dr. Martin all the best in her new role.”

Martin is now associate dean of CHSS and a professor in Western’s Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation.

"It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the position of dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. I have had the opportunity to work with the outstanding college staff and faculty as associate dean, and I am humbled by their endorsement as I step into this new role," Martin said. "The college has a reputation of strong leadership and exceptional programs that are integral to the university. I thank everyone for their support and look forward to the challenge of leading Western's largest college."

Martin, who began at Western in 1991, has a master’s degree from the University of Arizona and a doctorate from the University of Texas. She teaches in the kinesiology and physical education program. Her teaching interests are in elementary physical education pedagogy. Martin’s research endeavors are in teacher effectiveness, including examining variables such as feedback, practice trials and curricular content. In 2011, Martin was honored with Western’s Peter J. Elich Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2003, Martin was awarded the Washington Award for Excellence in Teacher Preparation by the State Board of Education, and in 1995 she was named the College Professional Physical Educator of the Year by the Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Martin is active in the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the United States Handball Association.

The College of Humanities and Social Services, the university’s largest college, includes the 13 departments of Anthropology; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Physical Education, Health and Recreation; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology; Communication; English; History; Journalism; Liberal Studies; Modern and Classical Languages; and Philosophy as well as three interdisciplinary programs: East Asian Studies, Linguistics and Women's Studies.